Frederickson
Stargazing Guide.
Just 22.5 miles from the center of Frederickson, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Frederickson
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~22.5 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Burroughs Mountain as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Tacoma Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Frederickson offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Frederickson is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the WA metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 4 skies found at Burroughs Mountain.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Frederickson
In WA, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Frederickson residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Frederickson Observers
If you're visiting Covington Community Park, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in WA during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (34.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Frederickson
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Frederickson's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" Heading out from Frederickson toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" A manageable drive from Frederickson, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Frederickson observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "
Paramount School Park
" For the dedicated Frederickson observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Frederickson; this destination is a justified detour. Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Frederickson
Rural conditions near Frederickson provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Frederickson
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Frederickson observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Frederickson enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Frederickson residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near Frederickson
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Frederickson observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Frederickson, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Frederickson, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Frederickson
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Frederickson Nights
"Staging for a night near Frederickson requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Frederickson Field Kit
Every observer in Frederickson eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Frederickson city center and the instrumented readings at sites 23 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Frederickson.